The Roaches and Dane Valley, Peak District: A Walk (BOOKING ESSENTIAL)

A WALK DESCRIPTION: Leader: Peter Searle. 11 miles, ~1850 ft total ascent. Starting at the turning to Upper Hulme on the A53 north of Leek, we soon leave the lane to climb a track then follow footpaths past Dains Mill, turning at Well Farm to join a path clockwise around Hen Cloud, initially contouring through woodland then climbing steeply to the impressive rock formations around the summit. We then follow a path NW which descends to the saddle then continues along The Roaches, initially through woodland below parts of the gritstone edge popular with climbers, then ascending a gully to continue NW along the ridgetop. After crossing a lane, our route descends to enter Forest Wood, where we contour for about a mile before descending some steep rocky steps to enter Lud’s Church, an impressive 18m-deep chasm caused by a landslip. After emerging at the other end of the chasm, we soon take a path that descends gently to a very attractive area at the confluence of the Black Brook and River Dane. From here we will follow the Dane Valley Way through woodland and farmland to Danebridge, where the Wincle Brewery may be appreciated. We will continue down the Dane Valley Way as far as a weir, where we will turn to climb steeply up the N side of the valley past Whitelee then across fields to join the Gritstone Way, descending again to Barleigh Ford Bridge across the River Dane. We then follow a track that climbs S across fields, then along a footpath that descends across fields to Rushton Spencer, and the waiting coach. Bring picnic lunch. Some short but steep ascents and descents.